Of all the commuter enclaves in our list, Reigate and Banstead comes closest to actually forming part of London. The northern tip of the borough strays perilously close to the capital, with parts of Chipstead actually falling within the boundaries of Croydon.
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Reigate and Banstead, nestling in the leafy Surrey countryside, made it onto our list as a good all rounder. There are plenty of jobs, a plethora of graduates, and salaries are on the high side. This could well explain how over a third of the residents now own their homes outright, which between you and me means mortgage free! You lucky lot!
As with many of their Surrey neighbours, residents get all the benefits of London at arm's length, shunning the city's high crime figures and higher property prices for a more relaxed lifestyle and pleasant country atmosphere.
While the area is predominantly residential, you won't be at a loss for outdoor activities, with a picturesque stretch of the low chalk hills landscape of the North Downs a dominant feature. The country air clearly has a positive effect on residents' health, with only five per cent reporting feeling 'in poor health' in 2007 (against a national average of 7.8 per cent) and early death rates from major diseases markedly lower than average.
As well as a thriving business district, the administrative centre Reigate can claim some tourist attractions of its own: the Reigate Caves have been a popular spot for explorers since the eighteenth century. Reigate Heath is also home to the only windmill in the world which also functions as a chapel, having been consecrated in 1880.
The area is ideally located for day trips to historical locations (especially castles) throughout the south of England, from Leeds Castle to Hever Castle and beyond. Those seeking sporting thrills can easily reach Brands Hatch motor-racing circuit and Twickenham rugby ground.
The borough is strongly committed to the environment, with as many as 93 per cent of households recycling in some areas, and an overall record on recycling that places it in the top 10 per cent of boroughs in the country. Crime figures are below the national average, and education is good across the board, with exceptionally high primary scores (85 per cent on average in the area for primary English) and excellent A-Level results (an average of 714 UCAS points in 2006).
Inevitably, none of this comes cheap. Although earnings are 23 per cent higher than the typical national wage and almost £100 per week more than even the South East average, at around £510,000 for the average detached house, you'll be paying some £200,000 more than the national average.
<< Go back to the index to learn about more places in the top and bottom 20
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Find out who made it to number 18 in 2007 >>
Local area info on Reigate & Banstead from upmystreet.com>>
Reigate & Banstead Borough Council >>
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